Former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s lawyers have filed a formal request with the court to allow him to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment.
Koroma, who faces four counts of treason, misprision of treason, and harbouring, is scheduled for his second court appearance on Wednesday. However, his legal team argues that urgent medical attention abroad is necessary.
The court is currently scrutinising the validity of the medical claims, while West African diplomats have revealed the government’s conditional agreement to Koroma’s departure, pending judicial approval.
Notably, ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray reportedly visited Freetown last week to finalise arrangements for the former president’s medical trip to Nigeria.
The impending court decision adds another layer of complexity to Koroma’s legal saga. While granting the medical request could appease concerns about his well-being, it also raises logistical and security challenges related to his return for the treason trial.
With tensions mounting, all eyes are on the court this week as it weighs the competing demands of justice and health in this high-profile case. The decision is likely to have significant implications for both Koroma’s personal health and the political landscape of Sierra Leone.
